If successful, this bid for £218m (towards a total of £234m) will deliver:

• A4130 widening from A34 Milton Interchange towards Didcot;

• A new Science Bridge over the A4130, Great Western Railway Line and Milton Road into the former Didcot A Power Station site;

• A new Culham to Didcot river crossing between the A4130 and A415; and

• A Clifton Hampden Bypass

All schemes include improved segregated walking and cycling routes which will give people real travel choice. The lack of suitable crossings over the railway line and river coupled with growth in the past three decades has resulted in heavy congestion. The same constraints have resulted in limited alternatives to the private car. HIF will enable direct and convenient access between new and existing homes and key employment sites in and around Didcot. The HIF schemes have previously been identified in Local Plan development to deliver growth across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse districts.

Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said:

“This bid for more than £200m shows the sustainable growth ambitions of Oxfordshire. It demonstrates that Government is listening and the recognition that infrastructure is required in parallel to the delivery of new homes. The infrastructure will also be vital to economic growth and support job creation in an area important to the local and national economy whilst helping to support the objectives of Didcot Garden Town.”

Cllr Jane Murphy, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, and Chairman of the Oxfordshire Growth Board, said: “We are committed to ensuring our residents get the infrastructure that’s vitally needed in our district and in Oxfordshire as a whole – it’s one of the reasons we applied for garden town status for Didcot in the first place. We believe this bid is a strong one and we’re working positively and constructively with all our partners, including the government, to ensure this remains one of the best places to live in the country.”

The HIF schemes have previously been identified in the district councils’ Local Plan development to deliver growth across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The county council has been working in partnership with the two district councils to help enable this necessary infrastructure.

Oxfordshire County Council held a consultation to hear residents’ views on our plans to support growth around Didcot in late 2018.

Oxfordshire County Council expects to hear the outcome of the funding bid by early summer 2019.

The report suggests that as part of the bus routing changes to enable this, streets such as Broad Street, Holywell Street and Cornmarket have the potential to be used by buses. It also identifies what it calls “pedestrian priority” streets.

The public realm in the city centre

Phil Jones Associates and ITP (Integrated Transport Planning) were commissioned last year by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to look at all aspects of “traffic movement and the public realm” in the city centre, and to come up with proposals to challenge the status quo/cast a fresh set of eyes on the situation.

Congestion and air quality are projected to get worse in Oxford with a predicted 25% growth in car journeys to workplaces in Oxford by 2031 if nothing is done. The present traffic levels already put a huge strain on the city’s transport infrastructure and affect residents, visitors and commuters. That’s why the two councils are working together by assessing the options put forward in the report and will be engaging with stakeholders on how some of the ideas will work in practice to create a liveable and sustainable city.

The transport consultants, who carried out detailed research for the study, focused mainly on public transport, altering bus routes, improving and extending cycle-paths and increasing pavement space.

The recommendations are advisory only and will not form the basis of a specific public consultation. Rather, they intended to inform the city’s Local Plan and a future update to the county council’s Oxford Transport Strategy and provide options for a much-needed bold approach to respond to the city’s challenges.

The measures to improve the public realm in key city locations while keeping them accessible would involve:

• One-way movement of buses in selected streets
• One-way movement of access traffic in selected streets
• Two-way movement of cyclists, using segregated lanes
• Significant pavement widening and creation of more spaces to sit
• Pedestrian priority streets – servicing/access only; limited volume of public transport vehicles where required

Fresh thinking to manage a growing Oxford

The options complement the implementation of the county and city councils’ Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) proposals from 2020 and are dependent on effective congestion reduction measures (such as ia Congestion Charge or Workplace Parking Levy), as part of a strategic shift in managing traffic. The city and county councils are already investigating traffic reduction ideas but at this stage no preferred option has been identified for implementation.

Our joint objectives in pursuing a new approach are to improve connectivity from the wider county and periphery to the centre of Oxford, ensuring quick, affordable, reliable, sustainable journeys for residents, visitors and commuters. For that, we need to reduce the number of vehicles travelling into the city centre, while providing transport access close to business and leisure destinations. Oxford’s growth must be planned and balance economic, social and environmental needs; ensuring that it remains a highly desirable place to live, work and visit.

This will allow us to maintain Oxford’s character and the city’s international status as a place of learning, business and tourism.

Reclaiming our city centre for pedestrians and cyclists

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Oxford City Council Executive Board Member for Planning and Transport said: “This report is a refreshing new way of looking at the challenges of managing transport in a medieval city, and has been really helpful at reframing the discussion. As the consultants have made clear from the start, their suggestions are for what could be done if traffic is reduced throughout the city. The City and County Councils are working together to do just that.”

Sue Halliwell, Director for Planning & Place at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We welcome these bold new ideas. They are certain to generate further debate about transport in Oxford city centre and if there is support for the principles, these ideas could form part of our transport strategy in future. They don’t stand alone and won’t work in isolation. They would need to be integrated with our joint strategies for a Zero-Emissions Zone and clearly they rely on us finding effective ways of reducing traffic congestion in the city as a whole.”

Further discussions are being held between the city and county Council on the report, but we are not putting forward specific proposals for public consultation at this early stage.

Work is continuing to progress well on the current phase on Woodstock Road with three-way temporary signals controling traffic on Woodstock Road and Elizabeth Jennings Way. 

Oakthorpe Road and Thorncliffe Road will be closed during this phase, diversions will be in place via Beech Croft Road and Banbury Road and vice versa. This phase will remain in place until Saturday 15 June.

Progress

The drainage improvements, kerbing and footway works are nearing completion with the current phase due to be completed on Saturday 15 June. This stage of work has included kerb replacement and realignment, tactile paving improvements and kerbdrain installation.

Resurfacing work will start on Monday 18 June and will be carried out in four phases under a system of single lane working controlled by temporary traffic signals combined with temporary side road closures to control traffic flows.

Phase 1 of the surfacing will be carried out on the outbound carriageway of Woodstock Road between Moreton Road and Thorncliffe Road and will last for one week. Moreton Road, Beech Croft Road, Thorncliffe Road and Bainton Road will be closed at their junctions with Woodstock Road with local diversions put in place.

Ten-year-old Chanice has been counting the hours since ‘big sister’ Sara Fernandez invited her as her ‘plus one’ at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s eagerly awaited nuptials.

Sara, 30, has been “hanging out” with Chanice at the weekends and during the school holidays since 2013, when she became her mentor as part of a volunteering scheme to help young people achieve their potential.

The Oxford resident was included on the Lord Lieutenant’s invite list in recognition of her charity and voluntary work – including co-founding the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentoring scheme, which is supported by the county council. She knew immediately who to invite along when the envelope arrived.

Best day out

Sara said: “Chanice thinks it’s amazing. She has told all her friends and we keep talking about how we have been invited and Donald Trump and Theresa May haven’t. We do so many different things together when she visits, and we both love trying new things, so I think this is going to be one of our best ever days out. Chanice has such a hunger for life – when you do anything with her it is always double the fun.”

Chanice said: “I was completely amazed when Sara told me. I didn’t think it was possible, really, because it’s royalty and not like any other normal wedding.

“I remember reading about Meghan Markle when I heard they were getting married, and thinking how incredible it would be to go to the wedding.”

She added: “Sara is really entertaining. We always do fun stuff together like ice-skating or swimming, or sometimes we just make scrapbooks together.”

Hoping for good weather

Although not a seasoned Royal-watcher, Sara, who grew up in Madrid and now lives in Oxford, was overwhelmed to receive the invite and can’t wait to make the trip down to Windsor.

“I just hope it’s sunny. It will be good to just see all the guests and spend some time in Windsor Garden”, she said.

“Because I’m not from Oxford originally, I can do lots of things here for the first time with Chanice. I don’t have a lot of extended family here so it was nice to be a ‘big sister’ for someone who was a bit closer by so we could hang out together.”

It certainly looks set to be a grand day out.

To find out more about Big Brothers, Big Sisters, visit: http://bbbsuk.org/

“I have looked after many children over the years, older children and teenagers”, she says. “The shortest placement was one night and the longest was more than 10 years!

“For some of these children, nobody has ever tried. You can’t change their past but you might be able to change their future. We have some great days and some that are not so great – but we always end up laughing!”

Carole, who currently cares for a teenage boy and an older teenage girl, has clocked up 20 years’ experience as a foster carer alongside her husband Michael, looking after vulnerable children of all ages and backgrounds. The couple also have a daughter, Jordan, who is now 23.

The Carterton resident is one of more than 300 Oxfordshire foster carers who all play a vital role caring for children who have often lived through traumatic experiences, and giving them the stability and confidence to thrive.

“I can’t think of anything more rewarding than knowing you have made a difference to a child’s life, and fostering provides that opportunity”, says Carole.

Fostering older children

There’s always a need for more people to come forward, and during Foster Care Fortnight (14 – 27 May) the council would particularly like to hear from anyone considering fostering older children and teenagers – who make up more than half of all children in care in Oxfordshire.

The council also needs carers who can foster siblings and people with the skills to support disabled children or who could give a child a place to call home long-term.

Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services Steve Harrod said: “Foster carers come from all walks of life but what they all have in common is a desire to help vulnerable children reach their full potential by providing them with the stability and security they need.

“It’s a very challenging role but it comes with huge rewards, and I would urge anyone interested in finding out more to get in touch with us.”

Information meeting

To find out more come to our information meeting:

• Wednesday May 23 @ 6.30-8pm:

Nash Court, 4440 John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2RU.

Contact Oxfordshire County Council Fostering on 0800 783 5724

or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

Some fostering facts:

You don’t need a specific qualification, once approved carers are supported to achieve the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s training. There are lots of other opportunities for training and learning.

There is no age limit to foster - to foster you must be over 18, we have foster carers who are still fostering in their 70's

Single? Not a problem - children need stable loving homes by single parents and couples, whatever their gender or sexual orientation

Disabilities or not, you can still foster - health problems and disabilities will not stop you from fostering, provided you can care for the children

No ethnic matching - there are children from many different backgrounds needing to be fostered, what is important is that you can meet the needs of the child

What help will you get? - the council offers generous allowances and all the specialist training and support you need.

A total of 248 supporters took advantage of an NHS mini health-check at the recent home game against Oldham, as part of an awareness-raising exercise by Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Health team.

Just 10 per cent were given the green-light, meaning no follow-up action was recommended. A further 80 per cent received an ‘amber’ rating and 10 per cent were shown the ‘red card’ – meaning a follow-up GP appointment was strongly advised.

The ratings were based on blood pressure readings and Body Mass index (BMI) figures recorded during the mini-tests.

Full NHS checks are available for everyone aged from 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions. They are provided by GP surgeries and are aimed at identifying a person’s risk from heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and dementia over the next 10 years. They are free and last just 20-30 minutes.

Positive discussions

The council's Cabinet Member of Public Health and Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “We’re delighted with the level of engagement and participation from the Oxford fans, some of whom may now have some extra motivation to focus a bit more on their long-term health.

"We had some really positive discussions about weight management, stopping smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity, and where concerns were raised, most people said they would follow up with their GP.”

She added: “Promoting free health checks on matchday is a fantastic way to reach people who have yet to take up the offer. Statistically we know that men are less likely to make an appointment, and matchday provides an opportunity to reach a key target audience in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. We were really pleased that 75 per cent of fans who got themselves checked were men.”

Ricardinho receives the Player of the Match award from Cllr Hibbert-Biles

Director gets involved

Oxford United Managing Director Niall McWilliams led by example prior to the game, by taking a mini-health check himself.

He said: “As we get older becoming aware of our health is essential. Taking steps to educate ourselves about keeping fit and healthy is imperative. Men, especially, can be reticent about their physical health but to achieve a good quality of life it is crucial to take up the NHS Health Check offered by your GP Practice."

Staff from the council’s Public Health team also gave out health check leaflets to 2,000 fans, 300 contact sheets with useful health service contact numbers and 750 booklets on ‘healthy choices’.

More fans took part in the recent mini-health checks than on the previous two occasions the council has run the initiative at the Kassam Stadium (140 and 213).

For further information about free NHS Health Checks visit: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/nhshealthcheck

Now in its fourth year, the competition showcases talented new writers in the county by making their stories available for any library user to read for free, on the library Overdrive eBook service.

Young Adult category

The winner of the young adult category was Burford resident Phoebe Haywood with her story The Glass is Never Half Full. Based on an idea she got in a hotel bar while on holiday, the story examines different approaches to life’s difficulties. Sixteen-year-old Phoebe is an active blogger who is closely involved with the Chiplit Fest - Chipping Norton's annual literary event.

She said: "I think I've been writing stories since I was about five or six, but I've had loads of encouragement over the years from my parents, teachers and librarians. My school library also runs a Creative Writing club that I have been attending.

"When I'm writing, I can make people and build worlds, and the best feeling is when I've constructed it all really well so that I can look back on my work and feel proud of it."

Phoebe, who is eyeing up a future career as a writer, said it was a big surprise to win, adding: "I know that loads of young writers must have submitted stories of an amazing quality, so I'm very honoured that my story won with all that competition."

Adult category

Winner of the adult category was Louise Brakspear with her story ‘A Passing Place’ - a moving, very human tale set in the aftermath of World War One. A long-time customer of Henley Library, it was third-time lucky for Louise, having entered the competition twice previously. Writing since her early twenties, winning in 2018 could prove to be a springboard to further success.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted – really thrilled. It’s nice to think that others have enjoyed the story.”

Adult category winner Louise Brakspear, whose story A Passing Place won over the judges

"Worthy winners"

Lead Librarian for Digital Info and Learning Katharine Spackman said: “As always the standard of entries was very high and our judges certainly had a difficult job on their hands. In the end Louise’s and Phoebe’s stories just had something special about them that stood out from the pack, and they are very worthy winners. I’m sure their stories will very popular with our customers.”

If you want to see what made them this year’s outstanding authors you can read their stories through the Oxfordshire Library eBook webpage or the Overdrive and Libby apps today! Go to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ebooks and select 'Overdrive'.

Last year’s winners were some of the most-read eBooks available from Oxfordshire Libraries, with adult category winner Jez Fernandez’s story receiving the most downloads ever for a competition-winning title.

The creator of The Gruffalo gave three performances of songs inspired by her famous stories, alongside her husband Malcolm and 900 youngsters from 28 different schools.

Packed audiences of family and friends joined in with much-loved characters from tales such as Room on the Broom, Monkey Puzzle, and of course,The Gruffalo himself.

Julia and Malcolm were invited to perform with Oxfordshire school children, who have been learning the songs this year in music lessons.

Julia said: "A lot of people don't know that before I wrote any books I was a song writer. I was thrilled when I heard that lots of children from Oxfordshire schools would be performing these songs and they invited me and my husband Malcolm to join in the performance."

She added: "It was a really, really great day. Something just a bit different and I've had a lovely time."

Memorable occasion

Central Area Manager for the County Music Service Jess Gray said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Julia Donaldson to our Centre for Music. To have so many schools taking part and learning the songs was fantastic, and I’m sure it wil be a day to remember for everyone involved.”

Oxfordshire’s Centre for Music is on Bayswater Road Headington, Oxford.

Find out more about the County Music Service

Over the last year, community groups from across the county have taken on and developed new sessions for 0 to 5-year-olds – such as ‘stay-and-play’ – at former children’s centres and other locations following the council’s announcement of a £1million Transition Fund.

The council previously ran 44 children’s centres. The tremendous response from local groups together with services being run from the council's children and family centres, mean there will be 47 projects supported by the council delivering open access, universal provision.

Amazing response

Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Children’s Services Lucy Butler said: “Much has been said about the ‘closure’ of children’s centres in Oxfordshire, but through the amazing efforts of community groups many of these buildings are very much open and running services for 0-5 year olds.

“This time last year I don’t think many people thought that would happen - but it has, and it’s something for which local people deserve enormous credit. We are continuing to work closely with these open-access projects to help them achieve long-term sustainability and provide a complementary service to the targeted help the council is delivering from our Children and Family Centres.”

The four latest schemes to receive Transition Funding are:

• Benson Little Acorns - will receive £22,000 over two years to create a children’s centre in the local community, to cater for parents and children ages 0-5. Little Acorns already have a successful toddler group, run by local parents and volunteers, and want to extend their activities.
• Didcot APUK - will receive £6,100 over two years to continue Didcot Baby Monday (DBM) – an established weekly parent and baby group. The group has evolved with their core activity offering a safe open space for parents and their new baby.
• St Edburgs Church with Kingsmere (Bicester) - will receive £11,200 over two years to fund family support work in Bicester, including stay and play, with a specific focus on the new Kingsmere Estate.
• The Comfort Trust, East Oxford – will receive £2,729 over one year to support its existing work in East Oxford. The trust currently runs four baby and toddler groups: Sunflowers, Daisies, First Saturday and Buttercups Music.

A massive 92.77 per cent of the 7,064 Oxfordshire children who applied have received the news their families were hoping for, with 98.57 per cent given a place at one of their chosen schools.

It means that just 102 children have received an offer at a school not listed on their application form – and there were sufficient places across the county as a whole.

Primary Statistics for Oxfordshire 2018

This year’s figure of 92.77 per cent for first preference offers is slightly lower than last year’s (93.73) but higher than in 2016 and 2015.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Children’s Services Lucy Butler said: “Once again we’re delighted to be able to offer the overwhelming majority of families their first preference school, and wish all the children the very best for the coming school years. We constantly monitor demand for places and work closely with all schools to ensure there is sufficient capacity both across the county as a whole and within local areas.

“Oxfordshire compares very favourably with other parts of the country on school places and our strong track record on first-preference offers is down to that effective forward planning.”

Appeals

An appeal process is available to families wishing to challenge the outcome of their application, and details of how to do this have been sent to parents. Children's names can also be placed on ‘continued interest’ lists in case places become available at schools between now and September.

Late applications

Anyone who has yet to apply for a primary school place for their child for September 2018, should print out and complete an application form from the council’s website and submit it to the council’s admissions team as soon as possible.

Singers, dancers and actors from Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre (OYMT) are putting the finishing touches to their annual production, which will light up the stage this week.

Previous shows such as Hot Mikado, Crazy for You and The Sound of Music have gone down a storm with audiences, with many of the theatre group’s alumni going on to careers in the performing industry.

Tickets are still available for four evening shows from Wednesday, 18 April to Saturday, 21 April (7.30pm) at the Centre for Music on Bayswater Road. There will also be a matinee performance on the show’s last day at 2.30pm.

Nicola Trinder and James Gant are playing the lead roles of Maria and Tony in West Side Story

High reputation

Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The high reputation of the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre goes before it and the standard is incredibly good. Our young performers always pull out all the stops and put on a memorable show. I would urge everyone to come along to watch – you will not be disappointed.”

The OYMT is made up of students aged between 14 and 19, accompanied by a band made up of school-aged instrumentalists taken from Music Service ensembles.

Ex-students include Ed Campbell Bird, Joseph Prowen and Tom Wolstenholme who have all been involved in West End shows, in plays and on TV.

West Side Story is directed by Gary Lewin with musical direction by Debbie Rose.

Tickets from : www.wegottickets.com/west-side-story

Oxfordshire schools represented are:

Cheney School, Didcot Girls Schools, John Mason School, Matthew Arnold School. Gosford Hill School, Langtree School, The Cherwell School, The Henry Box School, The Marlborough Church of England School and Wood Green School.

Raising Horizons celebrates the pioneering but often unrecognised women who made key contributions to the development of the Earth Sciences.

Part of a series of events marking 100 years of women’s suffrage, it features inspiring portraits of women working in the field today, posing as their trailblazing historical counterparts in ‘imagined’ moments in time.

Achievements

Influential figures such as Mary Leakey, the paeleoanthropologist who made huge contributions to the study of early hominids, and ground-breaking 19^th Century geologist Charlotte Murchison, are represented in images based on original photographs, memoirs and fieldwork diaries.

The achievements of the women range from discovering footprints nearly a million years old, reconstructing Antarctica’s lost forests, and training virtually a whole generation of archaeologists.

Evolving sciences

The related heritage fields of archaeology, palaeontology and geology were initially of mostly wealthy individuals some 200 years ago, evolving into the investigative sciences of today.

Audience Development Officer at The Oxfordshire Museum Lorraine Horne said: “While many of the renowned figures in these fields throughout the past two centuries are men who are rightly celebrated for their work, there are huge numbers of largely unrecognised women who also made key contributions, right from the start.

“This is a really thought-provoking exhibition and a great way to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage with our visitors.”

Raising Horizons will be at The Oxfordshire Museum until 20 April. Entrance to the exhibition and museum is free.

Talk details

There is also an opportunity to attend a talk from one of the creators of this inspiring project. TrowelBlazers & Raising Horizons

Takes place on 14 April at 2pm. Tickets £8. Booking line T: 01993 814106

Background

Raising Horizons is the result of a collaborative partnership between Leonora Saunders, renowned photographer and artist focusing on themes around gender equality, and TrowelBlazers, an organisation founded by Rebecca Wragg Sykes, Brenna Hassett, Suzanne Pilaar Birch, and Victoria Herridge, specialising in highlighting the contributions of women in the fields of archaeology, palaeontology and geology.

It is supported by Prospect, the UK’s trade union for scientists and heritage professionals, and a number of other organisations.

The creator of The Gruffalo will be performing her popular live show alongside 900 youngsters from 28 different schools, with the children singing along to songs from her famous stories.

The youngsters will take part in three performances on 25 April, in front of packed-out audiences of family and friends. The shows feature musical numbers from the Julia Donaldson song book A Treasury of Songs.

Memorable occasion

Central Area Manager for the County Music Service Jess Gray said: “It’s a real privilege to welcome Julia Donaldson to our Centre for Music. To have so many schools taking part and learning the songs is fantastic, and I’m sure it will be a memorable day for everyone involved.”

Oxfordshire’s Centre for Music is on Bayswater Road Headington, Oxford.

Find out more about the County Music Service

Photo: A Treasury of Songs (c) Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children's Books 2016

Children, parents and teachers at Leafield Primary School staged a ‘Park and Stride’ event, aimed at encouraging parents to park away from the school gates and walk the last part of the journey – boosting road safety, congestion and promoting exercise.

Most of the 98 children at the school took part, alongside Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health Hilary Hibbert-Biles.

The school is one of 21 across the county already signed up to the council-commissioned ‘WOW’ scheme. The project, run by Living Streets, is a year-round walk-to-school challenge where children collect badges each month as a reward for making journeys on foot. The scheme also provides schools with a ‘Travel Tracker’ which records all modes of travel and gives valuable insights into travel habits.

Since September Active travel rates – including walking, cycling, scooting or ‘park and stride’ – have already risen by 20 percentage points from 65% to 85% per cent at these schools.

Impressive results

When Leafield first adopted the scheme, 76 per cent of pupils’ journeys were ‘active’ but that has now risen to 84 per cent, with 29 per cent families using the Park and Stride.

Cllr Hibbert-Biles joined families walking from Leafield Village Hall, where they were met by Strider, the Living Streets mascot who present pupils with their WOW badges.

She said: “Leafield is a great example of how ‘Park and Stride’ can be used effectively to increase walking rates. The year-round walk to school challenge has been easy for schools to adapt to, and Park and Stride is ideal for a more rural school such as Leafield, where families may be more likely to drive, but still want to enjoy the benefits of walking to school. Families can either park ten minutes’ walk away or get off the bus early and complete their journey on foot.”

Julia Crear, Regional Director for Living Streets said: “We know that not all families are able to walk the whole way to school but Park and Stride is an excellent alternative. It ensures there are still fewer cars around the school gates which improves congestion and air pollution, whilst allowing children to fit more active minutes into their day.”

Schools sign-up

Schools seeking more information on how to sign up please contact Sarah Ellis sarah.ellis@livingstreets.org.uk

More info on WOW

WOW is a behavioural change programme that incentivises primary school children, their parents and teachers to travel actively all, or part, of the way to school – essentially, it uses ‘badges’ to ‘gamify’ walking to school.

Since the first 21 schools started the programme in September:

• Active travel rates (walking, cycling, scooting, park & stride and getting off the bus early) have increased from 65% to 85%).
• Walking rates have increased from 45% to 57%
• Park and stride has almost doubled from 9% to 16%
• WOW costs less than £450 per school per annum and can be funded using PE Pupil Premium

Photos:

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health Hilary Hibbert-Biles joins pupils, staff and parents at Leafield Primary School on a Park and Stride journey.

The teenagers, who raised nearly £40,000 for local causes during their summer course, hired an open-top sight-seeing bus as a treat for their guests.

Passengers included service users of Helen and Douglas House children's hospice, learning disability charity Yellow Submarine and Asylum Welcome.

NCS graduates joined their guests on a memorable open-top bus ride to take in the sights of Oxford

"Brilliant day"

NCS Community Engagement Officer for the county council Jon Clark said: "It was a brilliant day out for everyone involved. The young NCS graduates who set this up just wanted to give something back to local young people and give them a day to remember."

The council's Chairman Cllr Zoe Patrick welcomed the young graduates and their guests outside County Hall, before the hour-long sight-seeing tour set off to take in some of Oxford's most famous landmarks.

Coffee and pizza was provided by sponsors Starbucks and Dominos, and City Sightseeing Oxford also hired out one of their buses at a cut price to support the event, which took place on Saturday, 17 March.

NCS in Oxfordshire

The NCS in Oxfordshire has grown each year and has earned a reputation as one of the country’s leading schemes. The course provides a unique blend of outdoor education, social action projects and workshops, boosting the confidence and personal development of thousands of young people in Oxfordshire, and providing valuable skills for work and life.

Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services Steve Harrod said: "Our NCS graduates are a credit to their families and local communities, and this was a wonderful way for the class of 2017 to sign off.

"We’re very proud of the fact that our Oxfordshire NCS programme brings together young people from all backgrounds, achieving a real social mix in which stereotypes are challenged and lifelong friendships are made. I’d like to wish all the young people the very best of luck in whatever they go on to do next.”

Applications for NCS Summer 2018

Places are still available for all 16 -17 year old’s from across the county to join this year's NCS programme. Anyone interested in applying or finding out more about what the course has to offer, should visit our web page www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ncs or call 01865 328200.

The deal was signed by all six members of the Oxfordshire Growth Board: Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council.

This week has also seen the Oxfordshire Growth Board announce the first year of projects to be funded by an initial release of £30m for infrastructure projects as part of the Deal agreement.

While yesterday (21 March), the Government announced 44 bids which have made it through to stage 2 of its Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to fund major infrastructure projects.

Two of the three HIF bids submitted by the county council last autumn on behalf of Oxfordshire made it through and will now progress to a co-development stage: Didcot Garden Town and West Oxfordshire Garden Village near Eynsham.

Didcot Garden Town – £171m is sought for transport improvements including a Didcot Science Bridge and A4130 dual carriageway, a new river crossing at Culham and Clifton Hampden Bypass. This would support the delivery of over 22,000 homes in Didcot, Culham, Harwell and Berinsfield. Additionally up to £70m of cycle and other sustainable transport improvements are proposed for inclusion in the bid plan.

West Oxfordshire Garden Village – £135m is sought for further upgrades to the A40, building on existing schemes and based on the approved A40 Long Term Strategy including development of the Rapid Transit network and additional highway capacity on A40 transport corridor. This would support the delivery of over 10,000 homes in Witney & Carterton, and around Eynsham.

Detailed business plans will now be developed for the £300 million of transport infrastructure investment behind these two bids. The Growth Board partners expect to hear this autumn whether or not the two bids going through have ultimately succeeded.

More details on the HIF announcement here.

Government money is for major road improvements and cannot be used for day-to-day maintenance. However the investment will help to improve the overall standard of the road network.

Oxfordshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, is joining a UK government-funded delegation of politicians and urban development experts heading to China to share their knowledge of transport innovation as part of the development of a new area called Xiong’an, near Beijing.

As part of the knowledge sharing programme, around 20 students from leading Chinese universities are expected to work on a transport related project in Oxfordshire.

The county council is involved in the 'Smart Oxford' programme, which is looking for ways to meet rising demand for transport and solve the growing problems of congestion and air pollution. Projects include testing driverless cars on Oxfordshire roads, and sharing transport data as part of another research group looking at ways to improve public transport.

Oxfordshire is one of two UK localities – the other being London – featured at the conference this week. The county council has been working with the Oxford Programme for the Future of Cities, based at the University of Oxford, to prepare for the China conference.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said:

“We all know that Oxfordshire is a technology hotspot with its fair share of transport challenges, which make it a good place to try to solve the problems of congestion and air pollution. I am delighted that our success in bringing together researchers, investors and the public sector has been recognised in China as they develop a brand-new city of the future.

“This is an opportunity to share what we have learned, and building relationships in China that could lead to fresh ideas and investment. I am particularly excited that we will be working with students from Chinese universities here in Oxfordshire on innovative transport projects, which means there will be some immediate benefit to the county.”

The plan for the Xiong’an New Area was announced in April 2017. The planned development of Xiong’an will create a city initially equivalent to the size of Paris, but growing to three times the size of New York in the longer term.

The city is about 100km from Beijing and is intended to take the pressure off the growing Chinese capital. The vision is to build a world-class green and smart city with hi-tech industries and efficient transport.

Dr Samuel Chen of the Oxford Programme for the Future of Cities, who arranged the trip in collaboration with the British Embassy in Beijing, said:

“I am really excited to be able to make this link between the county council and Xiong’an in China, working with leading universities such as the University of Oxford and Peking University. I am sure the leaders of the Xiong’an New Area will be able learn a lot from Oxfordshire’s experience in green transport. I am also sure that the UK delegation will build important relationships that will benefit Oxfordshire.”

The UK government says it is supporting the delegation because it believes there is an opportunity to exploit our position as a global leader in infrastructure, public private partnerships, green finance and smart technologies.

Links

The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2017 exhibition celebrates the talents of both amateur and professional photographers and highlights the great diversity of the country’s natural history.

Striking images of bird life, mammals and marine habitats are on display alongside floral habitats and mystical woodland scenes.

Discover and explore

Audience Development Officer at The Oxfordshire Museum Lorraine Horne said: “The BWPA aims to raise awareness about British biodiversity and habitats and encourage all ages to discover, explore and help conserve our heritage.

"This exhibition captures the imagination of photographers from all over the UK, with incredible images which showcase British wildlife at it’s very best.”

The exhibition and museum are free of charge. More information available here

Award-winning photographers featured above:

• Andrew Parkinson (Animal behaviour)
• Francis Taylor (Wild Woods)
• Daniel Trim (Urban Wildlife)
• Alex Hyde (Hidden Britain)
• Matthew Roseveare (Wild pix - 12-18yrs)

More information on the award-winning photographs: https://www.bwpawards.org/winners2017

I will miss him greatly as a friend and colleague. On behalf of everyone at Oxfordshire County Council who knew and worked with him, I send his family our deepest condolences.

I worked closely with Rodney for many years. He was a tireless and dedicated local councillor representing Charlbury and Wychwood. As a long-serving member of the Cabinet, he had wide-ranging responsibilities for council services.

He was a tireless champion of Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue service. He represented the county council on several major projects that will benefit Oxfordshire, including the east-west rail scheme and the planned flood alleviation scheme around west Oxford. These will be his legacy as a public servant.

Schools are being invited to sign up to an ‘anti-bullying’ charter to strengthen the response to bullying across the county and ensure the voices of children and families are always heard and acted upon.

The charter, which contains 10 pledges on tackling bullying, was launched at Chipping Norton School by the council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health Hilary Hibbert-Biles.

The secondary school, along with neighbouring primary schools St Mary’s and Holy Trinity, are the first to sign up. Others are now being encouraged to join them and help send a strong message that bullying will not be tolerated in Oxfordshire and the concerns of children and families will always be taken seriously.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health Hilary Hibbert-Biles (second right) presents the anti-bullying charter to Chipping Norton School headteacher Simon Duffy (back, centre) and St Mary’s Primary School headteacher Yvonne Stallwood-Barnes (far left), alongside pupils from both schools.

Reducing impact of bullying

Cllr Hibbert-Biles said: “All schools have a responsibility to tackle bullying wherever they find it, and we know the majority do a good job in supporting their pupils and families. We also know that bullying of all descriptions remains a big problem for many children – in Oxfordshire like everywhere else - and we want to work with schools to reduce the impact it can have on young people’s lives.

“By formally signing up to a countywide set of values, schools can focus on ensuring those values are embedded in every aspect of school life. It also sends out a very clear message to their pupils and families that bullying will not be allowed to go unchallenged, and that no one should ever feel the need to suffer in silence.”

The full list of pledges that make up the charter can be viewed here.

Headteacher at St Mary’s Primary School Yvonne Stallwood-Barnes said: “We were really keen to sign up because I feel that all schools should provide a safe and secure environment for learning to take place. This charter has all the key points that all anti-bullying policies should have, and it summarises the way we are all working to make sure schools are safe and happy places to be.”

Pupils’ views

Chipping Norton School pupil Will Porter, 12, said: “Knowing that you’re going to a school that doesn’t tolerate bullying, and going to a school that you know will care for you, if you’re being bullied it will help you deal with the effects of bullying. It can help you feel cared about and a lot more comfortable.”

Seven-year-old Darcy Portman, of St Mary’s Primary School, added: “Bullying should stop because we don’t want everyone getting hurt. We don’t want our schools to be full of bullying because bullying is an unkind thing to do.”

Sign up and further advice on bullying

Schools can sign up to the charter by contacting anti-bullying@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Further advice for parents if your child is being bullied can be found here

This year, almost 90 per cent of pupils have been offered a place at their first-preference secondary school – that’s despite an increase in the number of Oxfordshire children transferring from primary schools (216 more than last year). It means the vast majority of families have once again received the news they were hoping for.

So what are the key factors in determining school applications?

The council’s Strategic Lead for Education Sufficiency, Roy Leach explains:

“There are quite a few myths surrounding school applications, and quite rightly, most parents feel very strongly about which school they would like their child to attend. It’s our job to ensure we deal with every application fairly and transparently according to schools' admissions criteria.

There are several different criteria - or ‘priority categories’ which we have to consider in order. These cover, for instance, children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; children in care; children with a brother or sister already at the school.

The key thing for most applications, however, is whether the family lives within the catchment area for the school they are applying for, and sometimes in the case of popular schools, literally how close to the school they live by the nearest walking route. The best advice we can give any family is to make sure you list three schools when applying, and include your catchment school as one of these. 

Unfortunately some popular schools will always be oversubscribed and we can’t offer everyone a place. It can be very disappointing for families to miss out and we fully understand that.

In the unlikely event that we can’t offer one of the three listed schools, we do absolutely everything we can, working with families, to find the best possible solution. Families can always appeal against a decision and information is sent out to them explaining how to do this.

Bodrul Islam from the school admissions team.

Forward planning

"Oxfordshire has a strong record of being able to offer the vast majority of families their first preference school, and we compare very favourably with many other parts of the country on this. Without sound forward planning we simply wouldn’t be talking about nine out of 10 children.

We work hard alongside schools to ensure there are enough places both across the county as a whole, and within local areas. We do that by expanding existing schools where there are opportunities, and in some cases, by securing developer funding to build entirely new schools for big housing developments. As far as possible we always try to increase places at schools rated Good or better by Ofsted."

You can read more about Oxfordshire’s school admissions policy here

Innovate UK has today (25 February) announced the award of £2.5 million to trial self-driving vehicles in and around Milton Park, the large, high-tech business and science hub near Didcot. The vehicles will travel between private roads at Milton Park and the public roads that link the site with nearby transport services.

The 30-month MultiCAV project will be undertaken by a consortium of organisations with different sector backgrounds who are investing in the development of autonomous vehicles, and led by UK transport operator FirstGroup.

Despite being relatively close to Didcot Parkway station, most travel to and from Milton Park is currently done in private vehicles. With the site set to expand in the coming years, the MultiCAV consortium is building on the work already underway to provide the park with long-term, safe sustainable transport.

Commuters to the site will be able to connect with the self-driving pods from local transport services, while booking and paying for their trip in one easy process.

It is hoped that by the end of the trial up to 50% of private vehicle journeys within the business park will switch to using the shared, electric-powered pods.

BEIS Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for Business and Energy, Richard Harrington, said: “Through these competitions, we are offering innovative businesses support to take their projects to the next level and help them achieve commercial success. The projects that we are nurturing mean that we are a step closer to securing our place as a world leader in self-driving vehicles. This significant investment is a mark of the innovation that is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy. The development of new technologies is a cornerstone of the UK’s world-class science and research and will ensure that we deliver a Britain fit for the future by creating jobs and the skills needed to succeed.”

Innovate UK Chief Executive Ruth McKernan said: “The quality and commercial potential of these successful projects demonstrate how UK businesses are developing pioneering connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The impact will benefit our thriving automotive industry and the economy as a whole.”

Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Economy, said: “Oxfordshire was the first council to consider autonomous vehicles within its transport policy and has been a supporter of the technology since it’s infancy in the UK.

"We have an incredible concentration of AV related companies, and in Culham, RACE the UK’s real world test bed facility.

"The county council has been keen on including innovation in the delivery of Didcot Garden Town from the very start and this project will be one of the first to demonstrate the approach and further enhance Oxfordshire’s place as a world leader in applied learning and development of AVs.”

John Birtwistle, project lead for FirstGroup, said: “We’re excited to be leading the first mainstream use of autonomous vehicles in the UK. By connecting the Milton Park development with the existing regional transport infrastructure, including Great Western Railway trains at Didcot Parkway station, commuters will see a tangible reason to leave their cars at home. It’s a huge step towards tackling the problem of congestion on our roads and enabling the sustainable future development of the business park and, potentially, other similar sites in the future.”

Vectos, a London-based transport consultancy, has been helping MEPC identify sustainable travel initiatives at Milton Park.

Veronica Reynolds, Behavioural Change Advisor at Vectos, said: “A key aim of the Milton Park Travel Forum is to work closely with the Park’s business leaders to future-proof the park’s transport offer. This innovative new project builds on the work of that Forum and its vision to provide more and greener travel options. We would like to thank everyone at Milton Park for the support we have received to date which has undoubtedly contributed to the success in securing this project funding.”

Philip Campbell, Commercial Director for MEPC at Milton Park said: “Milton Park is at the heart of UK’s most fertile innovation economy and this project is about using technology developed by some of the best brains in the world to improve sustainable transport choice. The fruition of this project will give Milton Park occupiers better choice in their daily travel decisions and the chance to be amongst the first in the world to travel on autonomous shuttle vehicles for their everyday journeys.”

John Cotton, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The funding will deliver an exciting regular commercial service, using innovative transport, to connect residents, visitors and workers to the surrounding business community based on Milton Park – one of the main principles in the Didcot Garden Town plan.”

Matthew Barber, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Science Vale UK is already renowned for creating state-of-the-art technology and, along with our business partners, we are delighted to receive the Innovate UK grant that confirms our ambitions to establish the Science Vale at the forefront of bringing zero emission autonomous public transport to our region.”

About the delivery partners

The MultiCAV consortium comprises:

• FirstGroup (overall coordination and project lead)
• Arrival (manufacturer of electric vehicles)
• Zipabout (MaaS system developers)
• Milton Park (providers of infrastructure in business park
• South Oxfordshire District Council (local planning authority)
• Vale of White Horse District Council (local planning authority)
• Oxfordshire County Council (local transport authority)
• The University of the West of England (user evaluation)
• Nova Modus (autonomous transport consultants)

Each year, more accidental fires in the home are caused by cooking than anything else. Cooking-related fires tend to result in the most non-fatal casualties and the second most fatalities (behind smoking products) so the importance of promoting cooking fire safety messages cannot be overestimated. In 2017, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to 65 accidental fires in dwellings where the main cause was cooking or cooking chip pan/deep fat fryer. This represents 17% of all accidental dwelling fires during 2017 (372).

Station Manager, Chris Barber said: “There is an increase in kitchen activity on those days and as with Christmas and other celebrations, people may have visitors or get more distracted. We are encouraging residents to make the most of pancake day and Valentine’s Day by checking their smoke alarms and following our safety tips”.

Why pancakes and who was Valentine?

Shrove Tuesday (13^th February) gets its name from the ritual of “shriving”, that Christians used to undergo in the past. In this ritual, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them. It’s the last day before Lent and is celebrated with pancakes to use up ingredients like sugar and eggs and other thinks that people are likely to give up for lent.

Valentine’s Day (14^th February) this year falls on Ash Wednesday. It’s the first time since 1945. The Feast of St. Valentine commemorates the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial in the III Century AD. There might have been more than a Valentine, but somewhere along the way, a Roman Christian martyr became associated with the tradition of courtly love and helping couples wed. Apart from love and romance, St. Valentine is also the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy.

Over the years, Valentine’s Day evolved into the current celebrations with cards, chocolates, gifts and a special meal at a restaurant or at home.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue’s Cooking Safety Tips

Cooking safely

• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
• Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove.
• Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking – take pans off the heat or turn hobs down to avoid risk.

Take care with electrics

• Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.
• Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

Deep fat frying

• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash.
• If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can’t overheat.

What to do if a pan catches fire:

• Don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.
• Don’t tackle the fire yourself – Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.

They will be joining the growing number of employees in public services such as the police, parking enforcement and trading standards who use body worn cameras as part of their day to day work where they have been found to encourage more positive interactions between staff and customers, even though they are almost always switched off.

Rarely recording

Staff will be able to record conversations with site users in situations where they feel intimidated or subject to abuse. The hope is that the presence of the cameras will discourage interactions from escalating and capture evidence if it does. The technology could also help deal with complaints from members of the public.

Operatives will wear the camera as part of their work uniform. They do not record all the time – they have to be switched on by the worker who will tell the person that they intend to start filing.

It will be very clear when the cameras are recording. They will not be used to film general footage of the site nor types of waste being put into any of the containers – a small screen on the camera shows the limited range and frame of the shot.

There will be signs displayed in each of the county council’s seven recycling sites when the technology starts to be rolled out initially at the Redbridge site. The cameras are also very visible – there will be no covert recording.

Tiny percentage of problem visits

On average per year there are 20 escalated reports of physical and verbal abuse by a member of the public on a member of recycling centre staff in Oxfordshire.

More than 1.25 million people visited the sites in the last year and the proportion of incidents is therefore very low, but is still something that the county council and site operators W&S Recycling and FCC Environment want to reduce.

All incidents are taken very seriously and reported to the police, but it is thought that the presence of the cameras could prevent many incidents from even happening. However, if something does happen the staff are able to collect evidence.

Safety number one priority

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “The safety of our staff and customers is our number one priority and using this technology will only be an enhancement.

“The vast majority of people only ever intend to bring their waste and dispose of it quickly and if they are unsure of anything they will speak to the staff.

“There have been times, and this is not unique to Oxfordshire, where someone will come along and will seek to intimidate or abuse the staff. This is not acceptable.

“We are being upfront about using the cameras and that alone will help improve many of the interactions on site. Knowing that you could be filmed could for many people be enough to make them think twice before they act.”

Cllr Yvonne Constance is Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “Disposable plastics are everywhere. There are now more fast-food outlets, more shops resorting to packaging and plastics. Not all packaging is bad, as it can protect food and make it last longer, reducing food waste, but the key is to reduce, re-use and recycle. We hope to make the younger generation more aware of the impact of plastic on the environment. We are asking them and others to give us their views, ideas and tips on how we can make it easier for people to use less plastic and other materials, increase the amounts recycled and dispose of them properly”

Our Recycling team put together these top tips to kick the plastic habit while putting some money on your pocket too:

1-Remember your reusable bags when you go shopping.

2-Invest in a reusable water bottle (stainless steel bottles are more sustainable than plastic).

3-If you like a takeaway coffee, treat yourself to a reusable mug, you can get collapsible ones to fit easily in your bag, or ones made from bamboo if you want to avoid more plastic. Disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic and hard to recycle.

4-Look for products with less packaging, or no packaging, such as fruit or vegetables. Local markets can be a great place to shop, and you can reduce the amount of packaging you buy.

5-Buy concentrated products and refill packs instead of fully packaged products, such as fabric conditioner, washing powders and some beauty products – this can save you money too. Community Action Groups like Sesi provide refill stations in Oxford (https://www.facebook.com/sesi.oxford)

6- Remember to recycle the packaging you do have. While 90% of packaging is recycled in the kitchens, only 50% is being recycled in the bathroom. Shampoo, conditioner, make up, hand wash and cleaning product bottles can all be recycled (please remove the pump trigger).

7-Where possible, buy larger or economy sizes of goods such as breakfast cereal, tomato ketchup, toilet rolls and soap powder. This can save money and creates less packaging in the long run.

Many of us have watched David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II and were shocked to see the devastating threat posed by plastics to our oceans. Lots of people are passionate about recycling and reducing waste and are busy participating in the survey, which closes on 18^th February. But recycling habits vary from generation to generation. Those aged 16 to 34 are the least likely to recycle, according to a recent survey by Serco Environmental Services and Future Thinking. Nationally, just 48% of millennials said they recycle all they can, a fall of 8% year on year. We also want to hear from them. All the councils in Oxfordshire are working together to seek your views on how we can help you to reduce the amount you throw away, and recycle more. Click here to respond to the consultation: www.recycleforoxfordshire.org.uk

A government grant worth £335,000 has been awarded to help strengthen the support services available to UASCs over the next two years. It is part of a wider national funding announcement of £29million.

The council has the same responsibilities for looking after UASCs arriving in the county as it does for all other children and young people in care. Young asylum-seekers are among the most vulnerable groups in society – often with no connections or family in the UK, little spoken English and having made long and traumatic journeys.

The new money is not for covering the cost of care placements themselves, but for additional support to help UASCs adjust to living in the county, and integrate with local communities.

This includes:

• Training for professionals across services working with children, to improve understanding of the needs of UASCs and the support professionals are able to provide.

• Working with school and college staff to help UASCs make a successful transition into education. This will include supporting schools and colleges to work together to share knowledge and expertise.

• Improving access to counselling and therapy for UASCs, as well as positive leisure activities to help them meet new people and improve their language skills.

Responding effectively

The council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families Steve Harrod said: “Like many other parts of the country, Oxfordshire has seen a rise in the number of UASCs arriving in the last couple of years. It’s vital that we can continue to ensure we are responding effectively to this challenge, and are able to provide the support these vulnerable young people need to thrive.”

The council currently looks after 52 UASCs. These young people have predominantly travelled from Afghanistan, Albania and Eritrea.

Station Manager, Chris Barber said: “Remembering to register both new and older household appliances is a crucial part of keeping your home and family safe. Appliances can easily get forgotten about as they are often running daily for many years. Registering your appliances means the manufacturer is able to contact you swiftly when needed. This guarantees the household will receive any relevant safety messages, allowing the owner to respond immediately.”

Appliances don’t have to be in warranty, or brand new to be registered. The Register My Appliance web portal was designed by the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) to make it quicker, easier and safer for the public to register both new and older appliances.

As an incentive, to encourage owners to register their appliances, many leading brands are offering to enter registrants into free draws for a range of desirable prizes.

The latest YouGov survey for AMDEA has found that less than half of British adults regularly register their large domestic appliances with the manufacturer. Of those that don’t regularly register, 39% said this was because they forgot and 29% didn’t think it was necessary. By not registering everyday appliances, owners risk missing out on crucial product safety warnings that help keep households safe. The YouGov survey also revealed that 70% of UK adults with a fridge or fridge freezer over ten years old have never had a professional review or check to verify if they are safe and fit for purpose.

It only takes a few minutes, so go online and get clicking to register your appliances: www.registermyappliance.org.uk

The main road through Rousham is currently closed due to flooding.

Update: 16:58 28 Dec

Two roads closured due to ice are now reopen:

• Curbridge Rd from Ducklington (A415) to A4095
• Letcombe Regis – Court Hill Rd from Letcombe regis to A338

Yesterday's closures at Marsh Gibbon and Long Hanborough due to flooding have reopened.

Update: 28 Dec 15:30

Our gritters are due out once again from 7pm this evening. Another cold night lies ahead with a further Met Office ice warning in place for tomorrow morning. Please drive safely if you are out on the roads.

Update: 28 Dec 9:20

The Environment Agency has issued Flood Alerts for the following areas, though waters are subsiding and are not expected to threaten properties:

• River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon and also the Letcombe Brook at Wantage, Grove and East Hanney
• River Windrush from Bourton to Newbridge
• River Cherwell from Lower Heyford down to and including Oxford
• River Thame and Chalgrove Brook
• Langford and Wendlebury Brooks from Stratton Audley to Merton
• River Cherwell from Charwelton to Upper Heyford
• River Cole and Dorcan Brook
• River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington and the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock
• River Ray and tributaries from Shipton Lee to Islip
• Upper River Great Ouse in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
• River Thames and tributaries from Calcott to Lechlade

Update: 28 Dec 7:15

Ice warning still in place from Met Office so road users and pedestrians should are warned about black ice, following several accidents last night.

Update: 27 Dec 21:50

Black ice alert: Gritters went out at 7pm and have nearly completed their run. Even so, emergency services have been called to several accidents involving black ice. Their advice is not to drive unless essential and take great care if you do go out. Gritters are going out again immediately they finish.

Update: 27 Dec 16:33

There are currently two implemented road closures at Marsh Gibbon and at Long Hanborough, plus road impassable at Woodeaton. Please do not enter flood water.

There is a Yellow Warning of Ice for tonight and tomorrow morning.

There is a Cold Weather Alert Level 3 from tonight to Saturday, meaning 90% likelihood of temperatures consistently near to or below freezing.

Gritters will be back out around 7pm this evening to combat tonight’s sub-zero temperatures.

Oxfordshire's Libraries will shut at 5pm tonight to allow staff to get home safely

Update: 27 Dec 10:50

Road closure - Lower Rd Hanborough is closed under the railway bridge due to flooding 

With rain turning to snow overnight, Oxfordshire's gritters have been out twice overnight.

The first treatment run headed out at 23:00 to get salt down ahead of the snow. Snow started falling to the west of the county at approximately 2 – 2.30 am with some areas seeing in excess of 50 mm, while the east saw slushier conditions.

Crews were back at the depots by 6am after a second run around the county and will be back out again to target the worst affected areas, including the higher ground to the west, including Banbury and Chipping Norton to Burford in the North and Faringdon and the higher ground (Uffington Hills) in the south.

We'll have more updates throughout the day.

Gritting runs

• We aim to keep a network of major roads as free as possible from ice to minimise the risk of accidents. Precautionary salting (or ‘gritting’) helps to achieve this aim.
• More information on routes and when the gritters are going out is here. We always advise people to take extra care even when roads have been treated.

Grit bins

• Grit bins were refilled at the start of winter and are being refilled at the moment. There is more information on salt bins here.
• We do encourage self-help. There are around 1300 salt bins across the county for the public to use on the public highway, including footways. Some Town and Parish Councils have snow warden schemes.

Pavements and cycle paths

• Footways only get limited attention by the county council because clearing them is very labour intensive. Only major shopping areas are likely to be treated with salt/grit in the early stages following snowfall.

Snow guidance and government advice

• You can view our Oxfordshire Snow Guide (pdf format, 428KB) The Government also has a ‘snow code’, which covers liability issues.

Information and social media

• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates by social media.

Vulnerable children and adults

• The emergency duty team of social workers (EDT) is on call 24/7, including over the Christmas period. Safeguarding concerns should be reported to 0345 050 7666 (office hours) or 0800 833408 (out of hours).

Community planning

• The county council provides advice and support for communities that want to develop a local resilience plan, so they are prepared for extreme weather and emergency situations. More information here.

Power failure

You can call 105 to report or get information about power cuts in your local area.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, you should call the emergency services too.

105 is a free service, available to people in England, Scotland and Wales.

You can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones.

More than 95 per cent of Oxfordshire premises are now able to get superfast broadband and take-up of the technology by local households and businesses is among the highest in the country*, with more than 50 per cent of those reached by the roll-out already opting for an upgrade.

So far BBfO has enabled more than 73,000 households and businesses to connect to superfast broadband speeds. The latest communities to benefit from the BBfO roll-out include: Cookley Green, Pyrton, Balscote, Baulking and Waterperry.

The major milestones were confirmed by Oxfordshire County Council and BT Group, who spearhead the BBfO partnership.

It is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, which aims to make superfast broadband available to 95 per cent of the country by the end of the year.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet member for Finance of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Reaching these important milestones in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of schedule is a terrific achievement and shows our commitment to make this important service available to as many parts of Oxfordshire as quickly as possible.

“We’re using a combination of technologies and co-funding solutions to ensure residents and businesses in even the smallest, most remote parts of our county have access to fast broadband.”

The upgrade work is being carried out by engineers from Openreach, the business responsible for Britain’s largest digital phone and broadband network.

Steve Haines, Openreach’s Managing Director of Next Generation Access, said: “The broadband landscape across Oxfordshire has been transformed in recent years so that the great majority of households and businesses can now get superfast speeds. And we are most certainly not stopping there. We’re committed to going further with superfast and ultrafast broadband.

“Increasingly high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a ‘must have’. Reaching this important milestone at this busy time of the year is particularly good news for people wanting to use the internet more than usual for online shopping and ‘click and collect’ services. At home, it enables families to connect to several different devices at the same time, so children can play online games without affecting parents or grandparents while they watch catch-up television or contact friends and relatives abroad.

“This exciting technology also breaks down barriers to doing business in the digital world, around Oxfordshire and across the globe. It helps small businesses to find new markets, sell new products and communicate more easily and quickly with their customers, suppliers and employees.”

People can follow the progress of the roll-out and get more information about the council’s community co-funding scheme via the website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Because the fibre broadband network is being installed by Openreach, households and businesses have a wide choice of fibre broadband providers. Upgrades do not happen automatically. Anyone wanting to benefit needs to place an order with their chosen fibre broadband provider.

Read how superfast broadband helped these SMEs in Oxfordshire:

Notes to Editors

*Source: Thinkbroadband

The 95 per cent superfast broadband coverage figure has been achieved as a result of superfast broadband roll-outs by BBfO combined with private sector investment by network businesses such as Openreach.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT Group and BDUK.

That’s because the council’s staff are busily preparing for the opening of the new Oxfordshire County Library on December 18. The transportation, cataloguing and arrangement of more than 100,000 items has been no mean feat – but is now nearing completion, along with a host of great new features.

With a dedicated community space for digital, arts and crafts learning, a bigger and brighter children’s library and a focus on digital access to council services, it’s a library for the 21^st century – and one staff are hoping will make the county’s residents proud.

Operations Manager Jane Mason in the new children's library

Great new features

Library Service Manager, Jillian Southwell, said: “We just can’t wait to get back in here and show our visitors what the library has to offer. We’re using the same general space as the former central Library, so there will be a familiar feel for customers, but they’ll also find a lightness and openness to the place that is really welcoming – not to mention some great new features and services.

“We’re in such a prime spot here at the entrance of the Westgate, and fully integrated as part of the new centre in a way that we weren’t before. It’s going to be a proper community facility for everyone to enjoy.”

‘Makerspace’ and children’s library

The boldest new addition to the library is a large community ‘Makerspace’ – an informal area for groups to carry out digital, art and craft activities, where people can learn new skills and make new connections. With a slightly space-age feel, it is a flexible space that boasts dozens of power points, a 3-D printer and ‘maker’ tables: perfect for group and individual creativity.

An enlarged children’s library, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Queen Street, will be a key attraction for families with young children. With its soft furnishings, ‘book nooks’ and safe internet access, it’s ideal for school visits, book talks and fun activities.

Meanwhile the main library areas have been opened up, with curved shelving to make browsing easier, and plenty of inviting spots to settle down for a comfy read.

Stylish new computer stations

Investment and commitment

The layout, fixtures and fittings are all new, with 70 public computers, information screens and areas for reading, working and learning new skills.

It’s all part of a vision for the County Library to serve as a ‘front door’ for access county council services online, and for visitors to get the support they may need to do this – with staff on hand to assist.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Property and Cultural Services, Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, said: “Unlike other parts of the country, all 43 of Oxfordshire’s branch libraries have remained open and we’re underlining our commitment to libraries by putting them right at the heart of the communities they serve – and the new County Library is for the Oxfordshire community as a whole.

“The new library exemplifies that investment, and we believe it will demonstrate exactly what a 21^st Century library should look and feel like. We’re also exploring new ways of linking up with partner organisations, volunteers and community groups to maximise what’s on offer here.”

She added: “Before the old Central Library closed, it was ranked as the third busiest council-run library in the country. Opening the new library gives us a great opportunity to build on that strong support from the community, and welcome more people than ever before. We’re hoping to sign up as many new members as possible and bring some Christmas cheer to our very first visitors later this month.”

Opening events

An action-packed week of special opening activities and events is planned at the library from 18 December. Full details can be found here.

There are 32 female operational firefighters in Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service. They are mums, shopkeepers, marathon runners - regular people doing extraordinary things.

It is not just about fires and fitness, it’s emergency planning, educating on safety and prevention and safeguarding people in our communities.

For the frontline staff, it’s about fast thinking, putting equipment together, collaborating with other blue light services, being resilient.

The service does a lot more than putting out fires: The clue is in “rescue”, with the Service dealing with a variety of situations like flooding, responding to road, rail and air traffic accidents, dealing with chemical hazards and spills, looking after the vulnerable.

“You don’t have to be the incredible Hulk or Lara Croft, I am neither”, said Rebecca Rimmer. She joined the fire service when she was 21 and never looked back “I would be out with a friend who was a firefighter and she used to be called to incidents and I always wondered about those emergencies, as it all sounded exciting and rewarding.” Rebecca has been with the fire service for 19 years and has two children who are very proud to have a “firefighter mummy”.

“I like helping people and care for people. I joined a station that already had female fire-fighters, but even so, I had never thought about the service being male-dominated. It’s like a second family to me, the friendship and support you receive from colleagues is amazing”. “I am lucky to have a supportive family and great colleagues that I can talk to” said Rebecca.

The main qualities that the fire service is looking for is “determination, enthusiasm, and an open mind. You need to have a positive, nothing can phase me attitude”, she stated.

Shelley Wright is 23 and has been with the fire service for 18 months: “I didn’t know which career path to take and couldn’t see myself in an office job and then I saw a banner for fire service recruitment. It was never mentioned at school as something we could do. When I joined the Wantage fire station there hadn’t been a woman there for five years. When the Chief talked to me recently about being the only woman there and I had forgotten about that - I am just part of the team”.

It’s not all plain sailing. “you do get a bit nervous when you first get alerted, but then the training kicks in” said Shelley. “The main gear weights 25 kilos and that’s without other equipment. However you get all the training you need and one of the advantages that I have in being smaller is that I fit into windows and other places that we need to access”.

Looking at barriers and opening fires station doors

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is actively inviting applications from women as part of their wider recruitment campaign. Being a firefighter is a role that women generally don’t consider and there is now a strong focus on tackling the issue and challenging the reasons why women are not applying for the roles available. It all started in April after Simon Furlong became Chief Fire Officer. He explained “We want to inspire more women to join us so we reflect the communities we serve. Our change in approach, the open days and positive action days are already raising the interest from dozens of women wanting to and embrace community safety and firefighting as a career choice. Women can bring a different dimension to the job, the competences are the same but individuals may have a different experience, that’s why we value diversity”,

A 50/50 target is not easy to achieve when you are starting at around 6% of female firefighters in Oxfordshire (which is just above the national average of 5%). In fact, firefighting is one of the most sex-segregated jobs in the UK.

“It’s an ambitious initiative that involves looking at the barriers for recruitment. The first contact a potential recruit has with the fire service is really important and women may feel intimidated at the idea of knocking on the door of a fire station, so we have opened more ways for them to contact us, via social media, taster days etc. We have also arranged for potential recruits to meet with other female fire-fighters for an initial discussion”. Said Clare Sellman, Employee Resourcing and Development Manager. “Our first taster day was held in September and this was for ladies only, the day involved learning about the role in general, meeting role models, trying out the physical tests that form part of the selection day and providing any support and encouragement as required”, Clare Sellman added.

Fireman Sam and firefighter Penny

Rebecca Rimmer is helping in the campaign to recruit more women firefighters. “Some of the fitness aspects of the role can worry our potential female recruits”.. Upper body strength is crucial, many people may be fit, even run marathons, but not have developed that physical side that will allow them to lift ladders, carry weight, drag casualties and other tasks we are required to do”, she said. One way to overcome this being to help people who want to prepare for the assessments or perhaps have failed to reach the standard by a small margin by giving them a fitness programme that they can follow.

This programme has been developed by a firefighter who is also a personal trainer. In addition there are videos online showing the tests here .

“There is the perception that you have to be very young and fit. There is a required standard to ensure safety, however many female firefighters are mums, they come from all backgrounds and a range of ages,” Rebecca said. Parents for instance can become firefighters during the day, while kids are at school, as the day shifts can be amongst the times most difficult to cover.

Leadership support and backing from colleagues is also a key part of integrating women into the fire service. “Kids watch fireman Sam, don’t they? So, the stereotype is there, although there is also the character Penny Morris in the Pontypandy fire brigade. We try to create an environment that is professional and welcoming to everyone, women included. We challenge prejudices, an example being the language that is used: We are not firemen, we are firefighters”, said Steven Anderson, Abingdon Station Manager.

Taster Days for women and recruitment will continue in 2018. Interested, but not sure if it’s for you? Why not attend one of our taster days or have a chat with one of our female firefighters, email: fire.recruitment@oxfordshire.gov.uk to register your interest and we will let you know when the next taster day is running.

We are recruiting whole-time firefighters in January 2018, applications will open on the 8^th January and you can find out more about the role and application process here 

Or if you would like to find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter visit: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters or drop by your local station for a chat on their drill nights https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/fire-stations

For the first time, Oxfordshire County Council is offering a 10-day amnesty starting on Sunday 3^rd December for drivers to hand in blue badges they have been misusing. No questions asked.

The Blue Badges could have expired, belong to another person or be no longer necessary. Motorists can hand them in at County Hall, or at any library around the county or send them to: Blue Badge Service, PO Box 873, Oxford, OX1 9NY.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat Deputy Leader of the Oxfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Customer Services said: “The Blue Badge Service is a lifeline for many disabled people who cannot travel far from their vehicle. However, the system is sadly abused, which affects those who rely on it. We would like to give the opportunity to people who may be misusing blue badges to dispose of them and avoid further prosecution.”

Over 22,000 citizens in Oxfordshire have a Blue Badge issued by the County Council. This service is highly valued by for people who struggle with mobility and is designed to help them remain independent and reduce loneliness. The badge holder can use it whenever they travel as a driver or a passenger.

Busting Blue Badge abuse

Where the scheme is misused or abused, Oxfordshire County Council takes a very strong stance to ensure that only those that need, and qualify for a Blue Badge benefit from it. If people are misusing or abusing a Blue Badge, the council takes appropriate action to protect genuine badge holders against fraud.

That's because misusing a Blue Badge is a serious offence which can result in removal of the badge, a fine of up to £1000 and a criminal record. Oxfordshire County Council continue to investigate and prosecute people abusing and using this service fraudulently, working in partnership with City Council.

Last year, 600 blue badges were checked and 12 removed, with 10 warnings issued that resulted in 2 prosecutions.

Oxfordshire County Council is now offering the chance for drivers who are not genuine Blue Badge holders to do the right thing. Examples of abuse are using someone else’s badge, having an out of date badge, a deceased person’s badge, having improved mobility or using a badge when the badge holder is not travelling in the car.

Just do the right thing and hand in your bogus Blue Badge. The amnesty runs from 3^rd to 13^th December (12th is the last day).

More information about eligibility here: 

First zone of its kind in the world

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council put forward the joint proposals in October. The Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Oxford city centre would be the first in the world.

The proposals respond to Oxford’s toxic levels of air pollution. Despite a 36.9 per cent reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels across Oxford in the last decade, parts of the city centre are still failing to meet legal limits on the pollutant.

A 2016 report found that air pollution contributes to cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and changes linked to dementia. It also found that, each year in the UK, outdoor air pollution causes around 40,000 deaths.

Developing as technology makes progress

The Zero Emission Zone proposals would see pollution emitting vehicles banned from Oxford city centre in phases, starting with some vehicle types and a small number of streets in 2020 and, as vehicle technology develops, moving to all vehicle types across the whole city centre in 2035.

This would take air pollution levels in Oxford city centre down to near-background levels. For example, in the city centre’s most polluted street, George Street, a 74 per cent reduction in toxic nitrogen dioxide levels is expected by 2035.

In total, the six-week consultation, which closed on Sunday (26/11), received 755 responses: 691 responses to the online consultation on Oxfordshire County Council’s website, and 64 written representations from individuals and organisations.

Ninety per cent of those who responded to the online consultation said tackling poor air quality in Oxford is either “very important” or “important”.

The proposals ban emitting vehicles in five-year stages, expanding from a small number of streets in 2020. Each of these incremental proposals received support, with 71 per cent “strongly supporting” or “supporting” the 2020 proposals, 69 per cent the 2025 proposals, and 68 per cent the 2030 proposals.

However, when asked directly if the proposed zones are appropriate, 28 per cent said “yes”, but 20 per cent said the area “should be smaller” and 45 per cent said the area “should be larger”. Sixty one per cent said the zone should be extended beyond the proposed boundaries in the future.

The consultation has also highlighted a number of areas of concern from stakeholders, especially from businesses and individuals directly impacted by the proposals, which will need to be considered in detail.

These areas include deliveries to and from businesses within the zone, access to the zone for disabled people, the introduction of electric buses within the suggested timescale, and infrastructure improvements that are needed to encourage alternative means of transport, such as cycling and walking.

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council will now go through all the responses – 130,000 words in the online responses alone – in detail and work to develop a final version of the Zero Emission Zone. Further engagement with key stakeholders and impacted parties are planned for the start of 2018.

An exciting time

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, said: “It is fantastic that so many individuals and businesses took the time to consider the Zero Emission Zone proposals for Oxford and that mostly are supportive of its ambitions.

“This is an exciting time for Oxfordshire County Council to be leading the way with the City Council on reducing pollution but now the hard work begins to see how we can implement the zone whilst allowing Oxford to thrive economically and remain a wonderful place for its residents to live. We are working with stakeholders, innovators and funding bodies to explore how we can use technology and new infrastructure to enable the ZEZ transition.”

Understanding people's needs

Councillor John Tanner, Oxford City Council Executive Board Member for a Clean and Green Oxford, said: “I’m thrilled that most people are backing the proposal for a Zero Emission Zone in Oxford city centre.

“The reason for carrying out the consultation was to understand, in detail, what people’s needs are, so we can minimise the impact of the Zero Emission Zone on business and residents while maximising the impact on the city’s health. I am thankful that so many took time out of their busy schedules to take part.

“We have received more than 130,000 words in response to the online consultation alone, and we now need to go through this in detail. We must now work urgently to finalise the proposals to make sure they work for everyone and deliver a solution to the toxic and illegal levels of air pollution in Oxford city centre.”

The results of the online consultation are as follows:

• How important is it to tackle poor air quality in central Oxford?
  • Very important: 70% (485)
  • Important: 20% (139)
  • Neither important or unimportant: 6% (44)
  • Unimportant: 2% (14)
  • Very unimportant: 1% (9)
  • Don’t know: 0% (0)
• Are the proposed ZEZ zones appropriate?
  • Yes: 28% (192)
  • No, should be a larger area: 45% (309)
  • No, should be a smaller area: 20% (139)
  • No opinion: 3% (21)
  • Don’t know: 4% (30)
• The draft proposal proposes to exclude non-zero emission cars, taxis, buses and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in the red zone in 2020. Do you agree with this proposal?
  • Strongly support: 57% (391)
  • Support: 14% (98)
  • Neither support or oppose: 3% (24)
  • Oppose: 9% (61)
  • Strongly oppose: 16% (113)
  • Don't know: 1% (4)
• The draft proposal proposes to exclude non-zero emission cars, taxis, buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the orange zone in 2025. Do you agree with this proposal?
  • Strongly support: 55% (379)
  • Support: 14% (95)
  • Neither support or oppose: 6% (40)
  • Oppose: 10% (72)
  • Strongly oppose: 14% (95)
  • Don't know: 1% (10)
• The draft proposal proposes to exclude non-zero emission cars, taxis, buses and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in the green zone by 2030. Do you agree with this proposal?
  • Strongly support: 54% (373)
  • Support: 14% (96)
  • Neither support or oppose: 6% (44)
  • Oppose: 9% (63)
  • Strongly oppose: 15% (104)
  • Don't know: 2% (11)
• Do you think that the ZEZ should be extended beyond the green zone in the future?
  • Strongly support: 47% (323)
  • Support: 14% (96)
  • Neither support or oppose: 9% (65)
  • Oppose: 9% (59)
  • Strongly oppose: 16% (113)
  • Don't know: 5% (35)
• Do you think that historic vehicles should exempt from the ZEZ?
  • Strongly support: 15% (104)
  • Support: 15% (101)
  • Neither support or oppose: 18% (127)
  • Oppose: 22% (151)
  • Strongly oppose: 24% (164)
  • Don't know: 6% (44)
• Do you think mopeds/motorcycles should be exempt from the ZEZ?
  • Strongly support: 10% (70)
  • Support: 10% (68)
  • Neither support or oppose: 14% (95)
  • Oppose: 26% (183)
  • Strongly oppose: 37% (258)
  • Don't know: 2% (17)

For more information about the Zero Emission Zone proposals, including a newly-produced FAQ document, visit: www.oxford.gov.uk/zez.

The packed venue heard the 135 players of the orchestra - aged 13 to 20 - perform the tumultuous finale of the Pines of Rome by Respighi, conducted by Dr.John Traill.

The orchestra was also centre stage as all 1,000 of the prom’s young musicians took part to perform Shine the Light Bright by Pete Letanka to a rapturous audience.

Strong praise

Head of the Oxfordshire County Music Service Angela Turton said: “The orchestra’s playing drew strong praise from many of those watching and the players themselves really rose to the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play at one of the world’s leading concert venues."

Visitors will be without their city centre library for just four weeks, as stock is transferred and the new library is decked out with a host of impressive new facilities. Other city libraries will be open as usual in Summertown, Headington, Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Old Marston.

Anyone borrowing items from Monday 13^th November until the library's closure will benefit from an extended loan period, free of fines and extra hire charges, across the Christmas holiday into early January.

Read more about the fantastic Oxfordshire County Library coming soon to the Westgate Centre.

Parents should visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/secondaryadmissions before the witching hour on 31 October to give themselves the best chance of securing a place at their first-choice school.

The council has a strong record on school admissions, with more than 90 per cent of those who applied last year now attending their first-choice secondary school.

State three preferences

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “You won’t turn into a pumpkin if you miss the Halloween deadline, but late applications cannot be considered alongside those made on-time, which means there’s less chance we’ll be able to offer your child a place at one of your preferred schools.”

When applying parents are strongly advised to state three preferences and include their catchment school as one of these – even if it is their third-choice school.

Cllr Hibbert-Biles said: “Understandably, many parents have strong views about which school they would like their child to attend, but we would always urge families to state three preferences on their application form, and to include their catchment school. This does not in any way reduce the chances of securing a place at your first-preference school.”

All the information about how to apply can be found here.

Year 10 transfers

Families can also apply online for Year 10 transfer to University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and Studio Schools for September 2018.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is also 31 October 2017.

School transport

All information regarding home to school transport policies is also available online

Families with children born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 are urged to visit the primary school admissions pages on the county council’s website to find out how to apply for places for next year.

Stating three preferences

Parents are strongly advised to state three preferences when applying and include their catchment school as one of these – even if it is their third preference. This does not in any way affect families’ chances of securing a place at their first-choice school.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “The council has a strong record of being able to offer the vast majority of families a place at their first-choice primary school – with 94 per cent receiving the news they wanted to hear last year.

“It’s very important to apply on time, as this ensures your application is considered alongside all others submitted before the deadline – increasing the chances we will be able to offer you a place at a school listed among your preferences.”

She added: “Many parents understandably have a very clear view about which school they would like their child to attend, but our strong advice is to state three preferences on your application form, including your catchment school – even if it is your third preference. All the information about how to apply can be found on our website.”

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 15 January 2018.

Postal applications

The council still accepts postal applications but recommends families apply online where possible, as this helps speed up the applications process. It also means families receive an automatic response confirming their application has been received and can be quickly notified if further information is needed.

Those who apply online will also receive an email on allocation day, 16 April 2018, informing them of the outcome of their application.

Postal application forms are available from all Oxfordshire schools and from reception at County Hall in Oxford.

Further advice and information booklets and are available on the council’s website

School transport

To find out if you are eligible for free home-to-school transport visit https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/free-home-school-transport

This is the simple verdict of one of Oxfordshire’s longest serving fostering couples after clocking up 40 years caring for hundreds of the county’s most vulnerable children.

Abingdon residents Rosalie and Rod James, both 77, have been celebrating their landmark achievement with family, friends and former foster children.

Such has been the couple’s contribution to the service that – not unreasonably – they have lost count of the number of children they have cared for over the decades, though it is comfortably in the hundreds. They are still going strong in the role with three children currently in their care.

Long history of care

“Last year we had 17 children, and of course, some only stay for a very short time”, explains Rosalie. “The youngest child we had was five days old and the oldest was almost 18, so we’ve looked after all ages, often three children at a time.

“To begin with, we looked after a number of children in the family at different times and for different reasons, and thought we might as well do it properly and signed up with the council as foster carers. It’s just carried on from there.”

Rod, a retired gardener, adds: “Children are often lacking confidence when they first come to you, so it’s really rewarding when they become more comfortable and you find out that they’re really smart and have a lot more about them than you could have imagined.”

The couple held a recent celebratory bash at Abingdon’s Northcourt Centre, surrounded by family, friends and council colleagues (don’t ask them how many people came along, because it might have exceeded the fire regulations!). Most touching of all, though, was the presence of several ex-foster children who have kept in touch with their former carers well into their adult lives.

“Rosalie and Rod are an absolute credit to this county and theirs is a truly magnificent achievement”, says Steve Harrod, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services. “There can’t be many people in Oxfordshire or anywhere else who know more about looking after children, or meeting the needs of young people in care who have often lived through traumatic experiences.”

Years of knowledge

The couple’s longevity as foster carers has certainly given them a rare perspective, and through Rosalie’s involvement as a foster carer co-ordinator they’ve also been able to pass on their knowledge and skills to countless other carers, offering valuable support to new colleagues coming into the role for the first time.

Fostering Service Manager Teresa Rogers says: “Rosalie and Rod are so well known and well-liked by everyone who has had the pleasure to work with them over the years, they have almost become celebrities within the service. When they eventually decide to call it a day – I hope not just yet – it will leave a big hole, but their legacy will be huge, both in terms of their contribution to the role of fostering itself and the immeasurable difference they have made to so many young lives.”

Key qualities

So what does Rosalie think the most important qualities are for a foster carer?

“You certainly need a lot of patience and a sense of humour. And I think you need to be happy in yourself and believe in yourself, and you need to be an advocate for the child, to say what you think they need or what is best for them. It’s important to realise that all children are different and I have always liked the challenge of working out the best way of working with them and getting on with them.”

Hopefully Rosalie and Rod will be continuing to enjoy that challenge for at least a little while longer.

Could you change a child’s life?

Find out more about becoming a foster carer. Visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

The national scheme is open to parents who expect to earn at least £120 week – equal to 16 hours at the national minimum wage. If in a couple, this must apply to both partners.

Parents on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or those unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities could still be eligible.

Check eligibility

Check your eligibility online at Childcare Choices. To apply for 30 hours and/or Tax Free Childcare, you will need the following documents:

• National insurance number(s)
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (self-employed)
• The date you started or are due to start work
• Details of any other government support you receive

Families with a child who is three years old by 31 December can join those already benefiting by applying by the beginning of December for a January start.

Visit the Family Information Service to search for information about childcare providers.

The Oxfordshire Museum’s 20 Years of Treasure - The Portable Antiquities scheme in Oxfordshire, marks two decades since the roll-out of the Treasure Act ensured significant archaeological finds would be preserved for the nation.

The display is already proving a hit with visitors, and now staff have launched a competition for people to choose their favourite object and submit postcards explaining their choice.

Prizes for the most thought-provoking contributions will be awarded later in the year, including unique behind-the-scenes experiences at the British Museum and Oxford Archaeology.

Left: 13th Century seal of Wymond de Brandon, found by a metal detectorist in 2012.

More about the exhibition

The range of specially chosen artefacts demonstrates the huge influence of the 1996 Treasure Act on our understanding of Oxfordshire’s history. All of the objects have been found by local people and metal detectorists across Oxfordshire.

They include treasure finds and also items that have been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme – set up at the same time as the Treasure Act to record details of finds not classed as treasure. The exhibition is expected to run well into the new year.

Enhanced knowledge

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “Our knowledge of Oxfordshire’s past has been greatly enhanced and the Museums Service collections enriched by the many objects found by local people and metal detectorists over the last 20 years.

“We now have an extraordinary resource for exploring our past and this exhibition is a great opportunity for visitors to come and see some of the very best of this. This is a real treat for anyone with an interest in local history – and perhaps something to inspire those who have never previously visited the Oxfordshire Museum.”

Recent addition

Among the exhibits is a remarkable recent find by metal detectorist Tim Moody from Charney Bassett. Mr Moody unearthed a rare late-Roman set of ‘dividers’ – a technical drawing instrument similar to a pair of compasses – creating excitement in local academic circles.

Photos:

Main image: Late 16th century gold pendant applique, found by a metal detectorist in 2003.

Inset: 13th century seal of Wymond de Brandon, found by a metal detectorist in 2012.

Local archaeologists will be dropping in at the 20 years of Treasure exhibition to talk about their favourite objects unearthed by members of the public and made available to the museum under the 1996 Treasure Act.

The event is taking place this Saturday, 14 October, from 2.30pm to 4.40pm, with tickets at £8. Contact the museum in Woodstock on 01993 814106.

20 Years of Treasure - The Portable Antiquities scheme in Oxfordshire

The exhibition marks two decades since the Treasure Act was introduced to ensure significant archaeological finds were preserved for the nation. It features objects from ancient pottery and gold coins to Iron Age jewellery and Elizabethan rings, demonstrating the huge influence of the 1996 Act on our understanding of Oxfordshire’s history.

All of the objects have been found by local people and metal detectorists across Oxfordshire. They include treasure finds and also items that have been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme – set up at the same time as the Treasure Act - to record details of finds that did not class as treasure.

Photo:

Late 16th century gold pendant applique, found by a metal detectorist in 2003.

Research shows that when smokers give up for 28 days they are up to five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good. Successful attempts are also four times more likely with the help of a stop smoking service. Not only are the immediate health benefits huge, but quitting can also put some serious cash back in your wallet – up to £250 a month.

A special Stoptober-themed clinic is coming to Cowley’s Templars Square Shopping Centre tomorrow (Friday 6 October) to highlight the benefits of going smoke free. The event from 10am to 3pm is being staged by Smokefreelife Oxfordshire  - the county’s stop smoking service commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council.

Anyone thinking about taking the Stoptober challenge should drop by for a chat with a friendly and supportive advisor who can give guidance on quitting aids and make referrals for ongoing support from a stop smoking advisor. The family-friendly event will also feature face-painting for children.

Those preferring to quit on their own can visit the Stoptober website for help and advice – including social media support.

Health impact

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Hilary Hibbert-Biles, said: “Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and contributes to around 100,000 deaths each year. While smoking rates have fallen steadily in Oxfordshire and are below the national average, one in eight people are still lighting up in the county – which amounts to a lot of smokers.

“We’re supporting Stoptober because it’s vital we encourage Oxfordshire residents to make healthy choices. Quite simply, stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your life expectancy.”

Leena Sankla, Director of Public Health & Lifestyle Services, Solutions 4 Health Ltd who provide Smokefreelife Oxfordshire, encourages people to stop by and get involved: “We are passionate about giving smokers the best possible chance to quit and hope that lots of people come and find out what we can offer by talking to the staff at our event. There will be lots going on and I’d encourage everyone, smoker or not, to come and enjoy the entertainment and learn about the support available through Smokefreelife Oxfordshire.”

Further event:

Smokefreelife Oxfordshire  will also be outside Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury, on 9 October from 10am – 3pm.

The Great Western Railway is in places a barrier to local movement, and this project’s successful completion will improve access to jobs and recreation.

The redevelopment of Backhill Tunnel – adjacent to the A4130 in west Didcot – will firstly see a pedestrian and cycle link beneath the existing railway embankment, linking the A-road into Milton Park.

Over the past 15 months, the County Council has undertaken works to remove two redundant pipelines that were linked to a former UK Atomic Energy Agency research laboratory, which were buried beneath the A-road and the Great Western Railway. New ducting was also provided to future-proof further works and support the development of the area, whilst minimising the need for future roadworks.

Having completed these complex multi-agency phases, and the main works over the summer, the County Council will now undertake the final phases of works with pedestrian and cycle connections west along the A4130 towards Milton Gate. The final element of the project will see the creation of a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists across the A4130, adjacent to the tunnel.

MEPC – the asset manager and developer of Milton Park – has worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver the scheme which has been fully-funded by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

The completion of the tunnel will enable several thousand people based at Milton Park, to either cycle or walk to-and-from work. It will be particularly beneficial for those living to the south of A4130 at Great Western Park. In turn, this will reduce demand on the road network and support more healthy, active residents.

The tunnel will give workers at Milton Park better access to amenities on Milton Gate, including the recently announced four star Milton Marriott hotel which is due to open in summer 2018.

OxLEP secured the £1.4m funding for the project via the government’s Growing Places Fund scheme.

Nigel Tipple – OxLEP Chief Executive – said: “This scheme will certainly have a positive impact on Milton Park-based businesses, its staff and local residents across the south of the county alike.

“In particular, it will mean quicker pedestrian and cycle access – for around 9,000 people based at Milton Park – to a number of key amenities nearby.

“It is one of our aims to ensure Oxfordshire benefits from an infrastructure that is fit for purpose and one that supports economic growth. We believe this project meets that aim and even encourages people to take up a more active lifestyle.”

Following completion of the first phase of the tunnel development, work to create the Toucan crossing will begin. This second phase of the project is expected to be complete by early-March 2018.

Councillor Yvonne Constance OBE - Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment – said: “Following two years of close working with our partners at the UK Atomic Energy Agency, Network Rail and local businesses we are delighted to be realising the project, and to further enhance pedestrian and cycle links.

“Opening this underpass beneath the Great Western Railway provides an excellent opportunity to improve access for residents to jobs and recreation, reducing distances to bus services and reducing the need for private car use.

“This link will further support the many millions of pounds the county council is spending on cycling and walking infrastructure in Oxfordshire over the coming years.”

MEPC – who manage several major business parks across the UK, including Milton Park – also welcomed the announcement.

Philip Campbell – Commercial Director at Milton Park, MEPC – said: “We’re so pleased to have the Backhill Tunnel opening. It will be a great benefit to people already working on Milton Park and any new companies joining our community in the new Park Drive East development.

“We’d like to thank Oxfordshire County Council, OxLEP and all others involved for making the project happen.”

For more information on OxLEP, go to: www.oxfordshirelep.com.

For more information about Milton Park’s latest development, please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk/parkdriveeast

A series of drop-in events is taking place during national Get Online Week- Monday 2^nd to Saturday 7^th October – with sessions run by Abingdon & Witney College, Soha Housing, Age UK and the county council’s Highways and Library teams.

Visitors can find out how to access information and council services online, or take the ‘Try One Thing’ bingo challenge - attempting something on the internet that they would normally do offline.

This might include their first:

• online shopping experience
• video call with friends or relatives
• online appointment
• online job search

There’s no need to book - visitors can turn up any time during the week to see what’s going on.

New skills

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is a great example of community organisations working with the council to help local people adapt to new ways of doing things - and to ensure they feel supported and reassured.

“With community help, customers can transform how they access local services and take away new skills which have the potential to transform their lives – including finding new ways to communicate with family and friends.”

Further information about events at Wantage and Grove libraries can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries and the Wantage Library facebook page.

Wider efforts

The scheme is part of wider efforts to support people to access local services online at the council’s 43 branches – putting libraries at the heart of their communities as the ‘front door’ to council services.

Cllr Lindsay-Gale added: “Right across the county, our 43 libraries are the visible front door of Oxfordshire County Council, and the ideal place for people across our different communities to access our services online using the public computers and free wi-fi.”

The Gala Awards, which take place on Saturday 23 September, will feature more than 50 categories recognising the talent, creativity and leadership of students, teachers and music partners. Solo performers will add a touch of class to the proceedings, which will be followed by a buffet supper and dancing to the sounds of the Oxfordshire Youth Big Band.

All the awards have received sponsorship from local businesses, music organisations, staff and supporters – and the trophies for Saturday’s inaugural event will be reused in future years, as the Music service establishes the ceremony as an annual prize-giving.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Service Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is a wonderful new idea and another great way to mark our 75^th anniversary. The talent and dedication of our young musicians, tutors and volunteers within the Music Service never cease to amaze, and I look forward to this becoming an annual event where everyone comes together to celebrate their success.”

A few tickets for the event may still be available:

Oxfordshire County Music Service Gala Awards, 6.30pm Saturday, 23 September, Centre for Music, Bayswater Road, Headington. OX3 9FF

Awards ceremony (free to award winners and sponsors) £5Awards ceremony, buffet, big band and dance - £15Awards ceremony, buffet, big band and dance (under 11s) £10Dress code: black tie or smart formal wear.

Contact Sharon.smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 816990

Photo:

Solo violinist Leo Appel, who will be performing at the ceremony. He is a pupil at Matthew Arnold School and co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

The display, 20 Years of Treasure - The Portable Antiquities scheme in Oxfordshire, marks two decades since the Treasure Act was introduced to ensure significant archaeological finds were preserved for the nation. Featuring objects from ancient pottery and gold coins to Iron Age jewellery and Elizabethan rings, it demonstrates the huge influence of the 1996 Act on our understanding of Oxfordshire’s history.

All of the objects have been found by local people and metal detectorists across Oxfordshire. They include treasure finds and also items that have been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme – set up at the same time as the Treasure Act - to record details of finds that did not class as treasure.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, 23 September at The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock.

Enriched collection

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “Our knowledge of Oxfordshire’s past has been greatly enhanced and the Museums Service collections enriched by the many objects found by local people and metal detectorists over the last 20 years.

“We now have an extraordinary resource for exploring our past and this exhibition is a great opportunity for visitors to come and see some of the very best of this. This is a real treat for anyone with an interest in local history – and perhaps something to inspire those who have never previously visited the Oxfordshire Museum.”

13th century seal of Wymond de Brandon, found by a metal detectorist in 2012.

Recent addition and guest lecture

Among the exhibits is a remarkable recent find by metal detectorist Tim Moody from Charney Bassett. Mr Moody unearthed a rare late-Roman set of ‘dividers’ – a technical drawing instrument similar to a pair of compasses – creating excitement in local academic circles.

20 Years of Treasure – The Portable Antiquities Scheme in Oxfordshire will be opened at 11.30am on Saturday, 23 September by Michael Lewis, Head of the Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum. The opening will be preceded by a FREE lecture from Mr Lewis at 10.30am. Book your seat online at Eventbrite or call the Museum on 01993 814106.

Photos:

Main image: Late 16th century gold pendant applique, found by a metal detectorist in 2003.

Inset: 13th century seal of Wymond de Brandon, found by a metal detectorist in 2012.

The council last year opened a £1m Transition Fund to help schemes for nought to five-year-olds get off the ground at locations formerly served by children’s centres. To date a total of 27 projects have been awarded funding – in addition to open access sessions at the council’s network of eight family centres.

The final round of applications ended earlier this year, with £232,000 remaining unallocated. The council’s Cabinet today agreed to reopen the applications process to enable new groups to come forward with their plans.

The funding criteria will be broadened to allow groups to apply for grants in locations not previously served by children’s centres, or where a children’s centre has been repurposed – for instance, as a nursery.

In a decision deferred from a previous round of applications, the Cabinet also approved a £30,000 grant for the Aspire Oxford community group to run children’s services from Florence Park Children’s Centre.

Innovative schemes

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities Mark Gray said: “We’ve seen many fantastic and innovative schemes coming forward as part of this initiative, and the response from local communities has been superb.

“In many cases what parents are seeing when they come into these centres is little different from when they were fully funded by the council, and that’s testament to the commitment and hard work of local people who have made this happen.

“I want to encourage yet more groups to come forward so that every penny of the Transition Fund can go towards open access children’s service provision in Oxfordshire.”

Community groups interested in finding out more about the Transition Fund and running open access children’s services should contact localities@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Research shows that when smokers give up for 28 days they are up to five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good. Successful attempts are also four times more likely with the help of a stop smoking service. Not only are the immediate health benefits huge, but quitting can also put some serious cash back in your wallet – up to £250 a month.

A special Stoptober-themed clinic is coming to Witney market today, to highlight the benefits of going smoke free. The event from 10am to 3pm is being staged by Smokefreelife Oxfordshire - the county’s stop smoking service commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council.

Anyone thinking about taking the Stoptober challenge should drop by for a chat with a friendly and supportive advisor who can give guidance on quitting aids and make referrals for ongoing support. The family-friendly event will also feature face-painting for children.

Those preferring to quit on their own can visit the Stoptober website for help and advice – including social media support.

Health impact

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Hilary Hibbert-Biles, said: “Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and contributes to around 100,000 deaths each year. While smoking rates have fallen steadily in Oxfordshire and are below the national average, one in eight people are still lighting up in the county – which amounts to a lot of smokers.

“We’re supporting Stoptober because it’s vital we encourage Oxfordshire residents to make healthy choices. Quite simply, stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your life expectancy.”

Leena Sankla, Director of Public Health & Lifestyle Services, Solutions 4 Health Ltd who provide Smokefreelife Oxfordshire, encourages people to stop by and get involved: “We are passionate about giving smokers the best possible chance to quit and hope that lots of people come and find out what we can offer by talking to the staff at our event. There will be lots going on and I’d encourage everyone, smoker or not, to come and enjoy the entertainment and learn about the support available through Smokefreelife Oxfordshire.”

The Oxfordshire County Council-run programme is the largest it has delivered since NCS was launched in 2012, with 830 young people aged 15-17 graduating over seven separate courses this summer.

The event at Oxford’s Kings Centre featured an interactive exhibition and presentations showcasing the many social action projects completed by the students – who between them raised a total of £50,000 for local charities and notched up 49,800 hours of voluntary work. There was also plenty of fun to be had, with 'human' table-football, bungee running and a rodeo ride.

It follows national recognition for the Oxfordshire scheme, which is the largest of any delivered by a local authority across the country. Prime Minister Teresa May recently chose the council’s Woodlands Centre in South Wales as the location to unveil new plans to put NCS at the centre of efforts to boost mental health awareness among young people.

National recognition

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Hilary Hibbert-Biles attended the ceremony on Saturday (2 September) to congratulate the graduates and wish them well for the future.

She said: “It was a real privilege to listen to the truly inspirational testimonials from some of the young people who volunteered their summers to better themselves and Oxfordshire communities. I’d like to congratulate them all on their achievements and thank everyone involved who made the courses a huge success this summer.”

She added: “The NCS in Oxfordshire has grown each year and has rightly earned a reputation as one of the country’s leading schemes. The course provides a unique blend of outdoor education, social action projects and workshops which has boosted the confidence and personal development of thousands of young people in Oxfordshire, providing valuable skills for work and life. Long may it continue.”

The children have produced artwork inspired by Oxfordshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge – ‘Animal Agents’.

They have created a display of around 50 colourful pictures showing different animals disguised as secret agents with sunglasses and hats.

The Friends of Grove Library generously agreed to give every child who took part a prize of an animal story book - and these were awarded by the Friends group's former Chairman, Brian Edwards. Fifteen children (pictured) attended the ceremony, and enjoyed pointing out their animal agent on the display.

Any child who took part and did not collect their prize at the event on Saturday (2 September) can collect it when they're next in the library.